Topic: Dr. Who is coming to SciFi!!!

[Capt_Bearslayer_XC]

Doctor Who checks into SCI FI

SCI FI Channel screen first series Fridays at 9pm from March.

SCI FI Channel and BBC Worldwide Americas announced today a major licensing deal for the first series of the latest Doctor Who adventures.

The 13-part drama is about a mysterious time-travelling adventurer known simply as "The Doctor" (Christopher Eccleston) and his companion, Rose Tyler (Billie Piper). The Doctor and Rose risk death and danger, battling aliens and monsters.

The deal, brokered by Lisa Hofer, Director Co-Production & Sales, BBC Worldwide Americas, grants SCI FI Channel the first run rights for series one with an option for series two. The award-winning series will premiere on SCI FI beginning in March, airing Friday nights at 9.00pm.

Russell T Davies, Head Writer and Executive Producer told us: "The Doctor's made all sorts of journeys in Time and Space, but this is one of his most exciting yet! I'm a huge fan of the SCI FI Channel, and I'm delighted that Doctor Who is appearing on a channel that supports and enhances the entire genre."

"With its rich history of imaginative storytelling, Doctor Who is a true sci-fi classic," stated Thomas P. Vitale, SCI FI's Senior Vice President, Programming & Original Movies. "We're excited to add the show to our lineup."

Commenting on the deal Candace Carlisle, Senior Vice President, BBC Worldwide Americas, said: “The new production has fantastic storylines and production values and has already gained an iconic status around the world. SCI FI Channel is the perfect home for the show and will introduce Doctor Who to a whole new generation of fans in the US.”

In addition, BBC Video has moved the US release date of the DVD from February 2006 to July 4, 2006 to capitalize on the exposure from the TV broadcast. As part of the deal, BBC Video and SCI FI Channel have agreed to work together on joint marketing promotions to support the brand launch.

Burton Cromer, Vice President, Consumer Products, BBC Worldwide Americas said: “We are delighted to be working with SCI FI Channel on the launch of this exciting new take on Doctor Who. The additional marketing support from SCI FI, as well their ability to reach such a broad audience base, made moving the release date an easy decision.”

Executive Produced by Russell T Davies (lead writer) and Julie Gardner, the first series of Doctor Who attracted huge ratings and received critical acclaim when it aired on BBC ONE in March 2005.

[Sirgod]

Yep yep yep. Heard this yesterday, I wonder though If they will play both seasons back to back?

Stephen

[TheJudge]

It's about time...I watched the first few episodes through Bittorrent and loved them...can't wait to see all of them...*sigh* My poor Tivo is going to be getting a major workout this season.  So far, season passes (recording all new episodes of a season) are set for:

Battlestar Galactica
Stargate SG-1
Stargate Atlantis
West Wing
24
Desperate Housewives
Crumbs
Commander in Chief
Boston Legal

I don't even have time to keep up with watching all the episodes recorded.  Fortunately I can burn them on to DVD when I fill up the 80 gb hard drive on the Tivo.

[Sirgod]

I still appreciate what you did for me last friday Judge, I've watched BSG about three times now.

Stephen

[GDA-S'Cipio]

The award-winning series will premiere on SCI FI beginning in March, airing Friday nights at 9.00pm.

Soo..... does this mean that Atlantis is going to be done by March?  Or are they planning another hiatus?

Either way, a big thumbs up to SciFi for getting Eccleston's Doctor.

Anyone seen episodes with the new guy yet?  I'm curious which direction  he'll take the character.  I saw a recording of the New Year's 15 minute preview, and he just didn't look old enough to continue the type of mentor/guardian relationship that Eccleston had developed with Rose. 

-S'Cipio

[Nemesis]

In addition, BBC Video has moved the US release date of the DVD from February 2006 to July 4, 2006 to capitalize on the exposure from the TV broadcast.

However the Canadian release of the DVD is unchanged. 

The Canadian DVD release is still set for 14 February, apparently. The show has already been broadcast north of the border, and in Australia and New Zealand. ®

[The_Joker]

I'm psyched about seeing Anthony Stewart Head (BtVS's Rupert Guiles) on TV again.

[Capt_Bearslayer_XC]

The award-winning series will premiere on SCI FI beginning in March, airing Friday nights at 9.00pm.

Soo..... does this mean that Atlantis is going to be done by March? Or are they planning another hiatus?

Either way, a big thumbs up to SciFi for getting Eccleston's Doctor.

Anyone seen episodes with the new guy yet? I'm curious which direction he'll take the character. I saw a recording of the New Year's 15 minute preview, and he just didn't look old enough to continue the type of mentor/guardian relationship that Eccleston had developed with Rose.

-S'Cipio

Yeah, seen the new guy... not sure if I like him or not yet... I bittorrented the Christmas special and it wasn't bad.  Not Eccleston's style, but I am sure he will develop himself.

Damn shame though... I really loved the goofiness of Eccleston...